Transport and / or storage container for rechargeable wireless earpieces

Abstract

Transport and / or storage container (100) with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), comprising: - a container housing (110), - two receiving units (120, 140) for at least partially receiving a pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), - a rechargeable charging battery (LB) for storing electrical energy, and - an electrical container charging contact (111) for connecting the transport and / or storage container (100) to an electrical energy source, wherein each of the receiving units (120, 140) has an electrical coupling contact (122) which interacts with an electrical earpiece charging contact (222) of a rechargeable wireless earpiece (220, 240) when the latter is placed in the receiving unit (120, 140) for charging, and wherein electrical energy stored in the rechargeable charging battery unit (LB) is used to charge the two rechargeable wireless handset (220, 240) is used,when the transport and / or storage container is not connected to an electrical power source, thus enabling mobile charging of the two rechargeable wireless earpieces, wherein the capacity of the rechargeable charging battery unit (LB) is sufficient to recharge the two rechargeable wireless earpieces three times without the need to recharge the rechargeable charging battery (LB), and wherein both the rechargeable charging battery unit (LB) and the two rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240) are charged when the transport and / or storage container is connected to an electrical power source and the rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240) are in the receiving units (120, 140).

Description

The present invention relates to a transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones. When using rechargeable wireless earphones, it is desirable to provide a transport and / or storage option with an integrated charging function for the rechargeable wireless earphones. DE 10 2006 017 997 A1 describes a mobile charger for recharging at least one first battery from at least one second battery. The second battery is a secondary battery and has a higher capacity than the first battery. This allows the first battery to be recharged multiple times. The second battery is preferably a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, and button cells, especially nickel-metal hydride button cells, are used as the first battery. The charger is particularly suitable for charging batteries for hearing aids and preferably has dimensions the size of a credit card. US 2005 / 0041827 A1 describes a rechargeable hearing aid consisting of a charger and the hearing aid body. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones. This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a transport and / or storage container for two rechargeable wireless earphones is proposed, wherein the transport and / or storage container has an integrated charging function for charging the rechargeable wireless earphones, and wherein the rechargeable wireless earphones each have an earphone charging contact, comprising: - a container housing, - two receiving units for at least partially receiving the two rechargeable wireless earphones, - a charging battery unit for storing electrical energy, - a voltage input for connecting the transport and / or storage container to an electrical power source, and - a charging unit for charging the two rechargeable wireless earphones with two electrical coupling contacts, each in one of the two receiving units, for coupling the two wireless earphones to the transport and / or storage container.wherein the coupling contacts interact with an electrical receiver charging contact of the two rechargeable wireless receivers when they are placed in the receiver for charging, wherein the receiver is designed to use electrical energy stored in the charging battery unit to charge the two rechargeable wireless receivers when the receiver is not connected to an electrical power source, so that the transport and / or storage receiver enables mobile charging of the two rechargeable wireless receivers, and wherein the receiver is designed to charge both the rechargeable charging battery unit and the two rechargeable wireless receivers when the transport and / or storage receiver is connected to an electrical power source. According to the invention, the capacity of the rechargeable charging battery unit is sufficient to recharge the two rechargeable wireless earpieces three times without the need to recharge the rechargeable charging battery itself. A transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless handset is provided. The transport and / or storage container comprises a housing, at least one receiving unit for at least partially receiving a rechargeable wireless handset, and an electrical charging contact for connecting the transport and / or storage container to an electrical power source. The receiving unit has an electrical coupling contact that interacts with an electrical charging contact of a rechargeable wireless handset when the latter is placed in the receiving unit for charging. The electrical charging contact and the electrical coupling contact are designed as complementary electrical contacts. The term "complementary electrical contacts" refers to electrical contacts that are designed to form an electrical connection together, such as a plug connection. In this example, one of the electrical contacts would be the female part (socket) of the plug connection, and the other electrical contact would be the male part (plug) of the plug connection. The invention relates to the concept of providing a transport and / or storage container for rechargeable wireless earphones, which simultaneously includes an integrated charging function for the rechargeable wireless earphones. By designing the electrical charging contact of the container, through which the transport and / or storage container can be connected to an electrical power source, and the coupling contact provided in the receiving unit, which interacts with the electrical charging contact of a rechargeable wireless earphone when it is placed in the receiving unit for charging, as complementary electrical contacts, the rechargeable wireless earphones can be charged very flexibly and easily in the same way, e.g., using the same charging cable, both in the transport and / or storage container and separately, i.e., without being placed in the transport and / or storage container. Furthermore, a rechargeable wireless receiver is provided. The rechargeable wireless receiver comprises a receiver housing, a transducer housing for accommodating an electroacoustic transducer, a receiver battery for storing electrical energy, and an electrical receiver charging contact for connecting the rechargeable wireless receiver to an electrical power source. Finally, a rechargeable transmitter is provided for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless receiver. The rechargeable wireless transmitter comprises a transmitter housing, a transmitter battery for storing electrical energy, and an electrical transmitter charging contact for connecting the rechargeable wireless transmitter to an electrical power source. Further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic and exemplary block diagram of a transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a schematic and exemplary first perspective view of the transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a schematic and exemplary second perspective view of the transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a schematic and exemplary protective case for the transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones according to the first embodiment.Figure 5 schematically and by way of example shows a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to a second embodiment. Figures 6A and 6B schematically and by way of example show the insertion of the rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the second embodiment into the ear of a wearer. Figure 7 schematically and by way of example shows the replacement of fitting parts of the rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the second embodiment. Figures 8A-8D schematically and by way of example show the replacement of the rechargeable earpiece battery of the rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 schematically and by way of example shows a first perspective view of a rechargeable transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to a third embodiment.Figure 10 schematically and exemplarily shows a second perspective view of the rechargeable transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the third embodiment. Figure 11 schematically and exemplarily shows a way of attaching the rechargeable transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the third embodiment to a mobile audio and / or video device. Figures 12A-12C schematically and exemplarily show the pairing of the rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the second embodiment with the rechargeable transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the third embodiment.Figures 13A-13F schematically and by way of example show the pairing of a second pair of rechargeable wireless earphones according to the second embodiment with the rechargeable transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 schematically and by way of example shows the charging of the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones according to the first embodiment, a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones according to the second embodiment, and the rechargeable transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 schematically shows an earphone according to the invention with an attached eyelet and a strap threaded through the eyelet. The same reference numerals in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. 15 denote identical elements. Fig. 1 shows a schematic and exemplary block diagram of a transport and / or storage container with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones according to a first embodiment. The transport and / or storage container has a DC input DCE, a battery charging unit BC, a rechargeable battery LB, a switch S, a DC-to-DC converter DCC, a current detection unit CD, a controller C, a voltage detection unit VD, a charging button LT, and a charging indicator LA. The battery charging unit BC is connected to the DC input DCE. The DC input DCE is also connected to the current detection unit CD via a selector switch. The battery charging unit BC is connected to the rechargeable battery LB and the charging indicator LA. The rechargeable battery LB is further connected to the DC-to-DC converter DCC via a switch S.The rechargeable battery LB is also coupled to a voltage detection unit VD. The voltage detection unit VD is coupled to the controller C. The current detection unit CD is coupled to the controller C and to charging contacts LW and RW for a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones. The controller C is further coupled to the charging button LT and the charging indicator LA. Pressing the charging button LT initiates charging of the rechargeable wireless earpieces when they are placed in the transport and / or storage case. The battery charging unit BC charges the rechargeable battery LB. The voltage detection unit VD monitors the voltage of the rechargeable battery LB and, in particular, detects when the battery voltage becomes too low. When the transport and / or storage case is connected to a DC input (DCE), both the rechargeable battery (LB) (via the battery charger (BC)) and a pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces can be charged when placed in the transport and / or storage case. If the transport and / or storage case is not connected to the DC input (DCE), the rechargeable wireless earpieces placed in the transport and / or storage case can be charged using the rechargeable battery (LB) and the DC-to-DC converter (DCC). The usable capacity of the rechargeable charging battery LB should be selected such that a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones can be recharged several times, in particular three times, without the rechargeable charging battery LB itself needing to be recharged. Charging the rechargeable wireless earpieces placed in the transport and / or storage container can be initiated by pressing the charging button LT. The CD current detection unit detects the charging current of the rechargeable wireless earbuds and automatically stops charging once certain conditions are reached. This is done to maximize the efficiency of the LB rechargeable battery. The charging indicator LA can be used to show when the rechargeable charging battery LB of the transport and / or storage case is being charged, when the rechargeable wireless earpieces are being charged, and / or when the voltage of the rechargeable charging battery LB of the transport and / or storage case becomes too low. Furthermore, the electronics of the transport and / or storage container can be at least partially switched off automatically if the usable capacity of the rechargeable battery LB becomes too low, in order to protect the rechargeable battery LB from overcharging. The rechargeable charging battery LB can be implemented as a lithium polymer battery with an electrical charge of, for example, 400 mAh or more. Fig. 2 schematically and by way of example shows a first perspective view of the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 for rechargeable wireless handset according to the first embodiment. The transport and / or storage container 100 has a container housing 110 with an electrical container charging contact 111 for connecting the transport and / or storage container 100 to an electrical power source. According to this embodiment, the electrical container charging contact 111 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack socket. Alternatively, the electrical container charging contact 111 can also be designed differently. Furthermore, the transport and / or storage container 100 has a first and second receiving recess or receiving unit 120, 140. The first and second receiving recesses 120, 140 are designed such that they can each at least partially receive one rechargeable wireless handset 220, 240 of a pair of rechargeable wireless handsets. The two receiving recesses 120, 140 are preferably designed to be substantially identical, so that the following description refers only to the first receiving recess 120. The description applies accordingly to the second receiving recess 140. The first receiving recess 120 is designed in such a way that it can at least partially and substantially form-fittingly receive a rechargeable wireless handset 220. In this embodiment, the first receiving recess 120 has a support surface 121 on which a transducer housing 223 of the rechargeable wireless handset 220 rests when it is placed in the first receiving recess 120. The shape of the support surface 121 is preferably adapted to the shape of the transducer housing 223. This enables a particularly good and secure fit of the rechargeable wireless handset 220 in the first receiving recess 120. Furthermore, an electrical coupling contact 122 is provided in the area of ​​the first receiving recess 120, which interacts with an electrical charging contact 222 of a rechargeable wireless handset 220 when the latter is placed in the first receiving recess 120 for charging. The electrical charging contact 111 and the electrical coupling contact 122 are designed as complementary electrical contacts. That is, according to this embodiment, the electrical coupling contact 122 is a plug complementary to the socket (electrical charging contact 111), in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug. (The electrical charging contact 222 is then also an electrical contact complementary to the electrical coupling contact 122, or corresponding to the electrical charging contact 111; that is, according to this embodiment, a socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug socket (see Figs. 5-8)). The first receiving recess 120 is preferably designed such that a rechargeable wireless handset 220, which is placed in the first receiving recess 120, is guided by its shape in such a way that the electrical handset charging contact 222 and the electrical coupling contact 122 automatically come into contact by placing the rechargeable wireless handset 220 in the first receiving recess 120. In this embodiment, the actuated charging button LT and the charging indicator LA are provided in or on the container housing 110. The charging indicator LA can, for example, be an LED that can illuminate or flash in at least one color, preferably in several colors. The actuated charging button LT can initiate the charging of the rechargeable wireless handsets 220, 240. The charging indicator LA can indicate when the rechargeable battery LB of the transport and / or storage container 100 is being charged, when the rechargeable wireless handsets 220, 240 are being charged, and / or when the voltage of the rechargeable battery LB of the transport and / or storage container 100 becomes too low. Fig. 3 schematically and exemplarily shows a second perspective view of the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 for rechargeable wireless earpieces according to the first embodiment. In this illustration, one rechargeable wireless earpiece 220, 240 of a pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces is placed in the first and second receiving recesses 120, 140 for charging. Because the first and second receiving recesses 120, 140 are designed to at least partially and, in particular, substantially form-fittingly receive the respective rechargeable wireless earpiece 220, 240, they can be transported and / or stored in the transport and / or storage container 100 without falling out during transport and / or storage. Fig. 4 schematically and by way of example shows a protective case 150 for the transport and / or storage container 100 with an integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless handset according to the first embodiment. The protective case 150 is preferably made of a robust material, e.g. leather or plastic, and has openings 151, 152 through which the electrical container charging contact 111 and the actuable charging button LT of the transport and / or storage container 100 are accessible when the latter is stored in the protective case 150. This allows the rechargeable charging battery LB of the transport and / or storage container 100, or the rechargeable wireless earpieces 220, 240, to be charged, even in the protective case 150. The protective case 150 also has a flap 153 that can be folded over the transport and / or storage container 100 for protection and which is preferably secured by magnetic closure elements 154.Optionally, a tab or loop 155 is provided on the protective bag 150, with which the protective bag 150 can be attached to the belt or wrist of a wearer. It is preferred that the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 according to the first embodiment (Figs. 1-3) can be connected to an electrical power source for charging, for example via a charging cable. The charging of the transport and / or storage container 100, or of the pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces 220, 240, via a charging cable is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 5 schematically and by way of example shows a rechargeable wireless handset 220 according to a second embodiment. The rechargeable wireless handset 220 can be one handset of a pair of rechargeable wireless handsets 220, 240 as described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The further description applies accordingly to the second rechargeable wireless handset 240. According to this embodiment, the rechargeable wireless handset 220 has a handset housing 221 with an electrical charging contact 222 for connecting the rechargeable wireless handset 220 to an electrical power source. According to this embodiment, the electrical charging contact 222 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack socket. Alternatively, the electrical charging contact 222 can also be configured differently. Furthermore, the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 comprises a transducer housing 223 for receiving an electroacoustic transducer (not shown) and a support element 224. When the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 is inserted into the ear of a wearer, the transducer housing 223 rests on the ear canal. To ensure a comfortable fit of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220, the transducer housing 223 preferably has a removable ring 225 on its outer edge, which is made of a soft, flexible material, such as rubber. Additionally, the transducer housing 223 can be provided with a removable ear cushion (not shown) for padding the earpiece housing 223. In this case, the ear cushion is preferably made of a sound-permeable material, such as foam. The support element 224 can be detachably attached to an upper end 226 of the earpiece housing 221. The support element 224 preferably has a flexible structure and is made of a soft, flexible material with good grip, such as rubber, so that it can fit well into the concha of a carrier to ensure a secure fit of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220. In particular, it is preferred that the soft, flexible material from which the support element 224 is made has a hardness between 33 and 68 HA, in particular between 48 and 52 HA, a tensile strength of ≥ 5 MPa, in particular of ≥ 7 MPa, an elongation of ≥ 224%, in particular of ≥ 320%, a tensile strength of ≥ 12 kN / m, in particular of ≥ 18 kN / m, a tensile set of ≤ 11%, in particular of ≤ 8%, a linear shrinkage of 2.2 to 4.7%, in particular of 3.1 to 3.6%, and a plasticity of 130 to 290, in particular of 180 to 220.The flexible structure of the support element 224 preferably has an outer edge which is connected to a central area of ​​the support element 224 via three substantially perpendicular webs, wherein the edge section of the support element 224 furthest from the converter housing 223 has no connection with the central area of ​​the support element 224. In the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220, the transducer housing 223 is located in a first plane, which is spaced apart from a second plane in which the earpiece housing 221 and / or the support element 224 are located. The second plane is preferably inclined with respect to the first plane. Furthermore, it is preferred that the distance between the point on the outer edge of the transducer housing 223 that is closest to the support element 224 and the outer center point of the support element 224 is between 5 and 11 mm, in particular between 7 and 9 mm. The handset housing 221 includes a handset button 227 and a handset indicator 228. The handset indicator 228 can, for example, be an LED that can light up or flash in at least one color, preferably in several colors. The rechargeable wireless handset 220 further comprises a battery compartment 229 for receiving a rechargeable handset battery (not shown) for storing electrical energy. The rechargeable handset battery can, for example, be a lithium-ion coin cell with a voltage of 3.7 V and an electrical charge of 40 mAh. The battery compartment 229 is preferably covered with a removable cap 230 so that the rechargeable handset battery can be easily replaced when necessary. Replacing the rechargeable handset battery of the rechargeable wireless handset 220 is described in more detail with reference to Figures 8A-8D. The earpiece housing 221 incorporates a wireless receiver (not shown) so that audio signals can be transmitted wirelessly to the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220. This wireless communication preferably uses high-quality, uncompressed, wireless stereo transmission over a stable digital connection. A frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz can be used as the carrier frequency. For modulation, for example, an FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) method and, in particular, an MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) method can be used. Alternatively, the wireless communication can also be based on the Bluetooth protocol, the WLAN protocol, or another wireless protocol. The rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 is preferably lightweight, weighing less than 20 g, and particularly about 10 g. The dimensions of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 are preferably in the range of about 29 x 20.5 x 51 mm. When the rechargeable earpiece battery is fully charged, the operating time of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 should be about three hours or more. Further preferred specifications of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 are: Maximum sound pressure level: about 115 dB (SPL); Total harmonic distortion: < 0.5% at 1 kHz and 100 dB SPL; Frequency range: 19 Hz to 20 kHz; Charging time of the rechargeable earpiece battery: about 2 hours; Power supply: 5 V DC / 30 mA. It is preferred that the rechargeable wireless handset 220 can be switched on by pressing the handset button 227 for a predetermined duration, e.g., four seconds. Successful switching on can be indicated via the handset indicator 228, for example, by a colored flashing at a predetermined flashing rate, e.g., once per second. If the rechargeable wireless handset 220 has been placed in the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 according to the first embodiment (Figs. 1-3) as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the rechargeable wireless handset 220 preferably switches on when it is removed from the transport and / or storage container 100. Switching off the rechargeable wireless handset 220 preferably works by pressing the handset button 227 for a predetermined duration, e.g., four seconds.Successful power-off can also be indicated via the handset display 228, for example by a colored light for a predetermined duration, e.g., one second. When the rechargeable wireless handset 220 is placed in the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 according to the first embodiment (Figs. 1-3), as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the rechargeable wireless handset 220 preferably switches itself off. Furthermore, it is preferred that the rechargeable wireless handset 220 switches itself off if it has not been able to establish a connection to a transmitter (cf. Figs. 12 and 13) after a predetermined period of time, e.g., five minutes. Figures 6A and 6B schematically and exemplarily show the insertion of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 into the ear 300 of a wearer according to the second embodiment. The rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 is first inserted into the wearer's ear 300 such that the transducer housing 223 rests on the ear canal (Figure 6A). The rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 is then rotated until the support element 224 is securely seated in the wearer's concha (Figure 6B). Fig. 7 schematically and exemplarily shows the replacement of fitting parts of the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 according to the second embodiment. Preferably, the support element 224 can be removed from the upper end 226 of the earpiece housing 221 and replaced. It is preferred that support elements 224, 224', 224'' of different sizes and / or shapes are provided, so that the rechargeable wireless earpiece 220 can be adapted to the specific ear shape and / or size of a user by using the appropriate support element 224, 224', 224''. Furthermore, it is preferred that the ring 225 can be removed from the outer edge of the transducer housing 223 and replaced. In addition, a removable ear cushion 231 should be provided for padding the transducer housing 223. Preferably, all fitting parts of the rechargeable wireless earphone, i.e., the support elements 224, 224', 224'', the ring 225 and the ear cushion 231, are available in multiple copies. Figures 8A-8D schematically and exemplarily show the replacement of the rechargeable handset battery 232 of the rechargeable wireless handset 220 according to the second embodiment. First, the edge of the removable cap 230 is slightly lifted, and the removable cap 230 is moved so that locking tabs 233 (see Figure 8C), which are provided on the removable cap 230 and which, when the cap 230 is closed (removable), engage in guides 234 (see Figure 8C) provided on the inner edge of the battery compartment 229, are pushed out of these guides 234 (Figure 8A). Then the rechargeable handset battery 232 can be removed from the battery compartment 229 and replaced, taking care to observe the polarity of the rechargeable handset battery 232 when inserting it (Figure 8B). Then the removable cap 230 is placed back onto the battery compartment 229 (with the rechargeable handset battery 232 inserted) (Fig.8C ) and shifted so that the locking lugs 233 engage again in the guides 234 ( Fig. 8D ). It is preferred that the rechargeable wireless handset 220 according to the second embodiment (Figs. 5-8) can be connected to an electrical power source for charging via a charging cable. Charging the rechargeable wireless handset 220 via a charging cable is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 9 schematically and by way of example shows a first perspective view of a rechargeable transmitter 400 for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to a third embodiment. According to this embodiment, the rechargeable transmitter 400 has a transmitter housing 410 with an electrical transmitter charging contact 411 for connecting the rechargeable transmitter 410 to an electrical power source. According to this embodiment, the electrical transmitter charging contact 411 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack socket. Alternatively, the electrical transmitter charging contact 411 can also be configured differently. Furthermore, the rechargeable transmitter 400 includes a connecting cable 420 for connecting the rechargeable transmitter 400 to a mobile audio and / or video device. Since mobile audio and / or video devices, such as MP3 players, CD and DVD players, or Apple's iPod series, typically provide jack sockets, especially 3.5 mm stereo jack sockets, as audio outputs, the connecting cable 420 preferably has a 3.5 mm stereo jack plug 421. Alternatively, however, another standardized connector or, optionally, a suitable adapter for other types of audio outputs, such as 2.5 mm or 6.35 mm stereo jack sockets, may be provided. The transmitter housing 410 includes a transmitter button 412, a transmitter indicator 413, and a reset button 414. The transmitter indicator 413 can, for example, be an LED that can light up or flash in at least one color, preferably in several colors. The rechargeable transmitter 400 also features a rechargeable transmitter battery (not shown) for storing electrical energy. The rechargeable transmitter battery can be implemented, for example, as a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer battery with an electrical charge of, for example, 150 to 3,000 mAh, preferably approximately 240 mAh or more. The transmitter housing 410 has a band-like recess 415 in a central section, which preferably completely surrounds the transmitter housing 410. A cylindrical pin 416 can be arranged on each of the two short sides in the area of ​​the band-like recess 415. The band-like recess 415 and the optional cylindrical pins 416, in combination with a suitable fastening strap, such as a rubber band, enable the rechargeable transmitter 400 to be easily and securely attached to a mobile audio and / or video device. Attaching the rechargeable transmitter 400 to a mobile audio and / or video device is described in more detail with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The transmitter housing 410 contains a wireless transmitter unit (not shown) for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece or a pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces. This wireless communication preferably uses high-quality, uncompressed, wireless stereo transmission over a stable digital connection. A frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz can be used as the carrier frequency. For modulation, an FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) method and, in particular, an MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) method can be used. Alternatively, the wireless communication can also be based on the Bluetooth protocol, the WLAN protocol, or another wireless protocol. The rechargeable transmitter 400 is preferably lightweight, weighing less than 32 g, and particularly about 16 g. The dimensions of the rechargeable transmitter 400 are preferably in the range of about 40 x 13 x 40 mm. When the rechargeable transmitter battery is fully charged, the operating time of the rechargeable transmitter 400 should be about ten hours or more. Further preferred technical specifications of the rechargeable transmitter 400 are: charging time of the rechargeable transmitter battery ASB: about 2 hours; power supply: 5 V DC / 120 mA. It is preferred that the rechargeable transmitter 400 can be switched on by pressing the transmitter button 412 for a predetermined duration, e.g., four seconds. Successful switching on can be indicated via the transmitter indicator 413, for example, by a colored flashing at a predetermined flashing rate, e.g., once per second. Switching off the rechargeable transmitter 400 preferably works by pressing the transmitter button 412 for a predetermined duration, e.g., four seconds. Successful switching off can also be indicated via the transmitter indicator 413, for example, by a colored illumination for a predetermined duration, e.g., one second. It is preferred that the rechargeable transmitter 400 switches itself off if it has not been able to establish a connection to a wireless handset (see Fig. 12 and Fig. 13) after a predetermined duration, e.g., five minutes. Fig. 10 schematically and exemplarily shows a second perspective view of the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless handset according to the third embodiment. The illustration shows how a fastening strap 430 can be slid over the rechargeable transmitter 400. The strap-like recess 415 and the two optional cylindrical pins 416 enable the fastening strap 430 to be securely fixed to the rechargeable transmitter 400. In this embodiment, the fastening strap 430 is a closed, preferably flat, rubber band. Alternatively, the fastening strap 430 can also be a length-adjustable band, such as a length-adjustable rubber band, a length-adjustable elastic fabric band, or a length-adjustable band made of a substantially non-elastic material. In this case, a buckle or a comparable adjustment device can be used to adjust the length.Preferably, mounting straps of different sizes, types, and / or colors are available. This allows for easy and secure attachment of the rechargeable transmitter 400 to mobile audio and / or video devices of different shapes and sizes. According to the invention, it is particularly preferred if the device according to the invention is not only supplied with a single fastening band 430, but with a plurality of these, which in turn preferably have different sizes, because this ensures the best possible adaptation of the transmitter to the connected playback devices, e.g., an MP3 player, since the various playback devices always have different thicknesses, heights, and depths. It is also particularly preferred that the various fastening bands, i.e., the flat rubber bands, are made in completely different colors in order to ensure optimal color matching to the playback device. In addition to or as an alternative to the option of attaching the rechargeable transmitter 400 to a mobile audio and / or video device using a mounting strap 430, other mounting options may be provided. For example, the rechargeable transmitter 400 may be equipped with a magnet for magnetic attachment to a mobile audio and / or video device, while a metal element, such as a self-adhesive metal plate, can be attached to the mobile audio and / or video device. Fig. 11 schematically and by way of example shows one way of attaching the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless handset according to the third embodiment to a mobile audio and / or video device 500. To connect the rechargeable transmitter 400 to the mobile audio and / or video device 500, the 3.5 mm stereo jack plug 421 of the connecting cable 420 is inserted into the audio output 510 of the mobile audio and / or video device 500. Because the rechargeable transmitter 400 itself has a rechargeable transmitter battery (not shown) for storing electrical energy, the battery of the mobile audio and / or video device 500 is not drained. The rechargeable transmitter 400 can be attached, for example, to the back of the mobile audio and / or video device 500 using a suitable mounting strap 430.It is preferred that the rechargeable transmitter 400 has protective elements, for example strips of a soft, flexible material such as rubber, on the side of the transmitter housing 410 that comes into contact with the mobile audio and / or video device 500 when the rechargeable transmitter 400 is attached to it, in order to protect the mobile audio and / or video device 500 from damage, such as scratches. It is preferred that the rechargeable transmitter 400 according to the third embodiment (Figs. 9-11) can be connected to an electrical power source for charging via a charging cable. The charging of the rechargeable transmitter 400 via a charging cable is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 14. Figures 12A-12C schematically and exemplarily show the pairing of the rechargeable wireless handset 220 according to the second embodiment with the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wireless transmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wireless handset according to the third embodiment. First, the rechargeable wireless handset 220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 are switched on as described with reference to Figures 5 and 9. The remainder of the pairing procedure then takes place essentially without any further manual steps (plug and play). First, both the rechargeable wireless handset 220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 search for a matching device (Figure 12A). This search process can be indicated via the handset display 228 or the transmitter display 413, for example, by a colored flashing at a predefined flashing rate of, for example, once per second.Once the rechargeable wireless handset 220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 have found each other, the devices exchange an identification ID, e.g., a hexadecimal codeword (Fig. 12B). This exchange process can also be indicated via the handset display 228 or the transmitter display 413, for example, by a colored flashing at a predefined flashing rate of, e.g., twice per second. After successful device identification, a connection is automatically established between the rechargeable wireless handset 220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400. Audio signals can then be transmitted wirelessly from the rechargeable transmitter 400 to the rechargeable wireless handset 220 via this connection (Fig. 12C). The connection between the rechargeable wireless handset 220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 can also be indicated via the handset indicator 228 or the transmitter indicator 413, for example by a colored flashing at a predefined flashing rate of e.g.displayed once every five seconds. The above description applies accordingly to the pairing of a pair of rechargeable wireless receivers 220, 240, as shown with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, with the rechargeable transmitter 400. It is preferred that the transmitter range, that is, the maximum distance between the rechargeable transmitter 400 and the rechargeable wireless handset 220 at which the rechargeable wireless handset 220 can still receive audio signals wirelessly transmitted by the rechargeable transmitter 400, is ≤ 10 m, in particular ≤ 5 m. Figures 13A-13F schematically and by way of example show the pairing of a second pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces 260, 280 according to the second embodiment with the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wireless transmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earpiece according to the third embodiment. First, the second pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces 260, 280, that is, the new rechargeable wireless earpieces 260, 280, is switched off as described with reference to Figure 5, and the first pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces 220, 240, that is, the old rechargeable wireless earpieces 220, 240, and the rechargeable transmitter 400 are switched on as described with reference to Figures 5 and 8 (Figure 13A). The resulting connection between the old rechargeable wireless handsets 220, 240 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 can be controlled via the handset indicator 228 as described with reference to Fig. 12.The transmitter indicator 413, for example, can be used to indicate the status of the transmitter, for example, by a colored flashing at a predetermined flashing rate of, say, once every five seconds. The rechargeable transmitter 400 is then switched off as described with reference to Fig. 9 (Fig. 13B). Next, the handset button 227 of the new rechargeable wireless handset 260, 280 is pressed for a predetermined duration of, say, seven seconds. The elapsed duration of the predetermined duration can also be indicated via the handset indicator 228, for example, by a rapid colored flashing (Fig. 13C). Then, the transmitter button 412 is pressed for a predetermined duration of, say, seven seconds, the elapsed duration of which can be indicated via the transmitter indicator 413, for example, by a rapid colored flashing (Fig. 13D). After a predetermined time period, e.g. three seconds, the new rechargeable wireless earpieces 260, 280 are then paired with the rechargeable transmitter 400 (Fig.13E). The resulting connection between the new rechargeable wireless handsets 260, 280 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 can be indicated, as described with reference to Fig. 12, via the handset indicators 228 or the transmitter indicator 413, for example, by a colored flashing at a predetermined flashing rate of, say, once every five seconds. Finally, the transmitter button 412 is pressed again for a predetermined duration of, say, one second. After another predetermined duration of, say, three seconds, the old rechargeable wireless handsets 220, 240 are also connected to the rechargeable transmitter 400. Fig. 14 schematically and by way of example shows the charging of the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 for rechargeable wireless earphones according to the first embodiment, a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 according to the second embodiment, and the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone according to the third embodiment. A charging cable 600 is provided for connecting the various devices 100, 220, 240, 400 to an electrical power source. The charging cable 600 preferably has a USB connector 610, for example of type A, at a first end, via which the charging cable 600 can be connected to a USB interface, e.g., of a computer 700, as an electrical power source.Additionally, a power supply unit 620 can be provided, which can be connected to the USB plug 610 and via which the charging cable 600 can be connected to an electrical mains power source. Optionally, various interchangeable country adapters 621 can be provided for the power supply unit 620. This allows the charging cable 600 to be used in countries with different mains standards. The charging cable 600 has at least one electrical charging contact 630 at a second end, which is designed as an electrical contact complementary to the electrical container charging contact 111 of the transport and storage container 100, to the electrical handset charging contact 221 of the rechargeable wireless handset 220, 240, and to the electrical transmitter charging contact 411 of the rechargeable transmitter 400. That is, according to the first to third embodiments, the electrical charging contact 630 is a plug complementary to the plug sockets 111, 221, 411, in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug. Thus, the charging cable 600 can be connected via the at least one charging contact 630 to the transport and storage container 100, to the two rechargeable wireless handset 220, 240, and / or to the rechargeable transmitter 400 in order to charge them. If the two rechargeable wireless earpieces 220, 240 are as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig.If the two wireless earpieces 220 and 240 are placed in the transport and storage container 100 as described in Figures 3, the charging cable 600 can simultaneously charge both the rechargeable battery LB of the transport and storage container 100 and the two wireless earpieces 220 and 240. If the charging cable 600 has two or more charging contacts 630 at its second end, then the charging cable 600 can simultaneously charge both wireless earpieces 220 and 240, or, if the two wireless earpieces 220 and 240 are placed in the transport and storage container 100 as described in Figures 2 and 3, both the rechargeable battery LB of the transport and storage container 100, including the two wireless earpieces 220 and 240, and the wireless transmitter 400. Although the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 according to the first embodiment (Fig. 1-3) has been described as a container for rechargeable wireless earphones, the transport and / or storage container 100 can also be used to charge other rechargeable mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, mobile audio and / or video devices, game consoles, etc., during transport and / or storage. While the transport and / or storage container with integrated charging function 100 according to the first embodiment (Fig. 1-3) was described as a container with two receiving recesses 120, 140 for receiving a pair of rechargeable wireless handset 220, 240, the transport and / or storage container 100 can also have only one receiving recess, e.g. for one rechargeable wireless handset or another rechargeable mobile electronic device, or more than two receiving recesses, e.g. for a larger number of rechargeable mobile electronic devices. The rechargeable wireless handset 220, or the pair of rechargeable wireless handsets 220, 240, according to the second embodiment (Fig. 5-8), can also be configured as a rechargeable wireless headset. In this case, a microphone is provided on at least one rechargeable wireless handset 220, 240. Furthermore, the rechargeable wireless headset must be configured such that the speech signals recorded by the microphone are transmitted by means of a wireless transmitter. For this purpose, a wireless transceiver unit can be provided in the rechargeable wireless headset. Fig. 15 shows a wireless receiver 220 with an attached eyelet 700, through which a ribbon or thread can be easily threaded. If two of the receivers 220, e.g. the left and the right receiver, have such an eyelet 700 and are connected with a band 710, this is advantageous for the user of the receiver because he can easily hold the receivers together and will not lose them immediately if one of the receivers should fall out of the ear. If desired, a buckle or similar can also be provided on the 710 strap to adjust the strap length to the size desired by the user. In the claims, the words "show" and "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or device can perform the functions of several elements listed in the claims. The fact that individual functions and / or elements are listed in different dependent claims does not preclude the possibility of advantageously using a combination of these functions and / or elements. The reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the subject matter and scope of protection of the claims by these reference numerals.

Claims

Transport and / or storage container (100) with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), comprising: - a container housing (110), - two receiving units (120, 140) for at least partially receiving a pair of rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), - a rechargeable charging battery (LB) for storing electrical energy, and - an electrical container charging contact (111) for connecting the transport and / or storage container (100) to an electrical energy source, wherein each of the receiving units (120, 140) has an electrical coupling contact (122) which interacts with an electrical earpiece charging contact (222) of a rechargeable wireless earpiece (220, 240) when the latter is placed in the receiving unit (120, 140) for charging, and wherein electrical energy stored in the rechargeable charging battery unit (LB) is used to charge the two rechargeable wireless handset (220, 240) is used,when the transport and / or storage container is not connected to an electrical power source, thus enabling mobile charging of the two rechargeable wireless earpieces, wherein the capacity of the rechargeable charging battery unit (LB) is sufficient to recharge the two rechargeable wireless earpieces three times without the need to recharge the rechargeable charging battery (LB), and wherein both the rechargeable charging battery unit (LB) and the two rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240) are charged when the transport and / or storage container is connected to an electrical power source and the rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240) are in the receiving units (120, 140). Transport and / or storage container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transport and / or storage container (100) has a charging unit with a DC-DC converter (DCC) for charging a rechargeable wireless handset (220, 240) using the electrical energy stored in the charging battery unit (LB). Transport and / or storage container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two receiving units (120, 140) is configured to receive a rechargeable wireless handset (120, 140) at least partially and substantially in a form-fitting manner. Transport and / or storage container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - two rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), each of the rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240) having an electrical earpiece charging contact (222) which interacts with one of the electrical coupling contacts (122) when the rechargeable wireless earpiece (220, 240) is placed in the receiving unit (120, 140) for charging. Transport and / or storage container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a current detection unit (CD) which detects the charging current of the rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), is connected between a DC-DC converter (DCC) and charging contacts (LW, RW) for the rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240), and which terminates the charging of the wireless earpieces from the charging battery (LB) when certain conditions are reached. Transport and / or storage container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a charging cable (600) for connecting the transport and / or storage container (100) and / or a rechargeable transmitter (400) to an electrical energy source, wherein the charging cable (600) has at least one electrical charging contact (630), and wherein the rechargeable transmitter (400) is suitable for wirelessly transmitting audio signals to the rechargeable wireless earpieces (220, 240). Transport and / or storage container (100) according to claim 6, wherein the charging cable (600) has two electrical charging contacts (630). Transport and / or storage container (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the charging cable (600) can be connected to a USB interface as an electrical power source.

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